Why Are Teeth Becoming Transparent And How To Prevent It?

You brush your teeth, you floss regularly, and you use sugar-free gum and mouthwash on occasion. Despite all of these steps to improve your oral hygiene and the health of your teeth, you notice changes in them. It is quite normal to see these changes as we grow older, given the function of our teeth. They actively work and bite through all of the food we take, naturally deforming over time.

Typically, your teeth should be opaque. If you notice that the parts of your teeth are becoming translucent, you should visit your dentist and check the condition of your oral health at once.

Translucent Teeth Causes

If you ever wondered ‘’why are my teeth transparent at the bottom?’’ or if you notice strange discoloration in your teeth, it’s really important to understand what that means and what could be the cause.

Some diseases such as celiac disease can affect teeth enamel. Poorly developed enamel appears translucent. There is also the enamel hypoplasia leading to enamel thinning – accompanying ailment of some genetic conditions. In these cases and diseases, the teeth lose their minerals from the enamel resulting in a translucent appearance.

Additionally, acid erosion can be the cause of these changes. The source of the acid can be both external and internal. Some sodas produce this effect and sometimes it’s our stomach acid. People suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or bulimia, will likely develop enamel problems with teeth as acid damages them.

How to Prevent Teeth From Turning Clear?

We’ve discussed the causes and we should also lay out a plan to help your teeth with translucent appearance and enamel damaging. While you can’t control genetics and rule this factor out, you can always control the effects of acid erosion.

The best way to do this is by reducing or eliminating the foods and drinks with high acidity levels. Find a healthier counterpart or, if possible, kick the habit of gulping down on a gallon of coke weekly. While it’s hard, it will help you prevent further damage to your enamel. If you do drink the fizz beverages occasionally, remember to rinse your mouth.

To eliminate the acid coming from the stomach, you should visit your doctor and find the right therapy. In the meantime, if you vomit or feel a rush of stomach acid in your mouth, rinse with water to prevent damage. Also, do not brush your teeth for 30 minutes after the acid exposure, as this will also damage the enamel rather than help it.

Treating Translucent Teeth

Once damaged or lost, the enamel cannot be replaced. Luckily, dentistry today recognizes many treatment options that can help with the look of patients with damaged enamel. The most common methods used today are bonding and veneers and both will be described below.

• Bonding – a quick and non-invasive treatment restoring the physical appearance of the damaged teeth. In a single appointment, the composite resin is applied on the teeth, molded to fit the shape of your mouth, and finally polished for the maximum effect
• Veneers – thin pieces of porcelain attached to the teeth’s surface. Typically it takes two visits to the dentist as these need to be developed in the lab. A small portion of the enamel is removed and the veneer is then cemented into place.

You’ve noticed some changes in your teeth? Schedule a visit at Gables Sedation & Family Dentistry, and we will find out what the root cause is and help you restore your teeth’s former glory.